RAMADAN - CLEANSE THE SOUL

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Lunar Islamic calendar and is a month observed by Muslims worldwide as month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. The holy month of Ramadan lasts about 29 to 30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon according to numerous biographical accounts. 

 It is believed that this holy month of fasting, prayers, abstinence from wrong doing or sinful behaviour, false speech and fighting has been practiced for centuries. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to 'cleanse the soul' by freeing it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity. Any wrong doing is believed to negate the reward of fasting. Every adult Muslim is expected to observe fast from dawn to dusk over the thirty day period but for the exception of ill health, pregnancy, menstruation, old age, travel etc. Pre- dawn feast are referred to as Suhoor and post dusk feasts are referred to as Iftar. The days also typically include increased offering of prayers, recitations of the holy Quran and an increase in doing of good deeds such as charity. 

Author: #Sneha Sundareshan